Strategic selection of assembly systems under viable demands

Abstract

PurposeAims to strategically compare assembly lines to cell production including flexible cell system (FCS) under viable demands using the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations and select the efficient assembly systems on demand fluctuations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper sets an assembly problem of the respective models for assembly line systems, autonomous cell system and FCS, and presents a comparative approach by the pair matrix table for the strategic selection. The simulators were constructed for the respective models, and the pair matrix tables with the profit and lead time were drawn and shown.FindingsFinds that the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations are applicable in the strategic selection for comparative assembly systems, and FCS, consisting of multiple self‐completion stations connected by conveyors, is stable when there are viable changes in the demand quantity and the number of stations.Research limitations/implicationsProvides an economic comparative approach for a strategic selection in assembly models with different system configurations by simulation.Practical implicationsThe approach proposed in this paper will provide a strategic selection quantitatively with system managers to achieve higher profit and shorter lead times under viable demands.Originality/valueIntroduces the pair matrix table by the lot size and the number of stations, and compares strategically and quantitatively the respective assembly models based on an optimal design by the two‐stage design method in view of profits and lead times under viable demands.

CDMF-RELSUS concept: reliable products are sustainable products - influences on product design, manufacturing and use phase

“…For long-term use of highly reliable products, repairability and upgradability of the products should be discussed. A disassembly (Lambert and Gupta, 2005) and assembly (Yamada et al, 2006) efficiency of the products are very important factors for repairability of the products. On the other hand, the customers often discard the products because of the functional obsolescence before the end of their physical life such as durability life.…”

“…Source: cf. Yamada et al (2006), partially changed Therefore, a checklist overview regarding the evaluation of the influence of the manufacturing planning can be verbalised as follows:…”

A Petri net model for the design and performance evaluation of a flexible assembly system

“…Various plans with different system configurations are modeled by designing cycle times and buffers, etc. Their system performances are compared through mathematical analysis and/or simulation, and the best plan is selected and implemented (Yamada et al , 2006). The development of a generic flexible assembly system (FAS) involves the design, selection and integration of a number of different mechanical systems in order to develop an assembly system capable of assembling a wide range of products with unknown specifications (Edmondson and Redford, 2002).…”